Service brake and shift lever interlock system

ABSTRACT

A service brake and shift lever interlock system for a vehicle is operably controlled by a logic control circuit to prevent movement of the shift lever from the &#34;Park&#34; position when the ignition switch is in the &#34;Start&#34; or &#34;Run&#34; position and the service brake pedal is in a brake release position (i.e., the vehicle brakes are not applied). The interlock system does not prevent movement of the shift lever from the &#34;Park&#34; position under other conditions when the ignition switch is in the &#34;Start&#34; or &#34;Run&#34; position. An ignition interlock system prevents movement of the shift lever from the &#34;Park&#34; position when the ignition switch is in the &#34;Lock&#34; position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a service brake and shift lever interlocksystem for a vehicle having a transmission shift lever movable between anon-drive position, such as "Park", and one or more drive positions suchas "Drive" and "Reverse".

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An improved vehicle transmission shift control mechanism having anignition interlock mechanism is described in copending U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 137,759 filed Dec. 24, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No.4,936,158 of common assignee herewith.

The transmission shift control mechanism described in that patentapplication includes a shift lever pivotal on a support base or framebetween a "Park" position and other operative positions such as drive,reverse, neutral, etc. The shift lever is selectively retained in one ofthese positions by a detent mechanism which releasably couples the shiftlever and a detent plate attached on the support base. The detentmechanism is manually released out of coupling relation between thedetent plate and shift lever to free the shift lever for repositioning.

A locking mechanism is provided for preventing movement of the shiftlever from the "Park" position when the vehicle ignition lock mechanismis actuated to the "Lock" position and for preventing such actuation ofthe vehicle ignition lock mechanism when the shift lever is in anoperative position other than the "Park" position.

The locking mechanism includes a locking lever, such as a bellcrank,pivotally disposed relative to the detent plate. The locking lever isoperably connected to the vehicle ignition lock mechanism for pivotalmovement to a locking position relative to the detent mechanism toprevent release of the shift lever when the ignition lock mechanism isactuated to the "Lock" position with the shift lever means in the "Park"position.

The locking mechanism also includes a locking member such as an elongatelocking pin carried on the shift lever mechanism for movement therewithalong the locking lever to a cooperative position when the shift leveris placed in the "Park" position. In the cooperative position, thelocking lever can pivot relative to the locking member to the lockingposition and, upon actuation of the ignition lock mechanism to the"Lock" position, blocks movement of the detent mechanism. The lockingmember is also movable along the locking lever to a non-cooperativeposition therewith when the shift lever is in positions other than the"Park" position. In the non-cooperative position, the locking memberprevents pivoting of the locking lever to the locking position and thusprevents actuation of the vehicle ignition lock mechanism to the "Lock"position unless the shift lever means is in the "Park" position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a service brake andshift lever interlock system for vehicle transmission shift controlmechanisms including but not limited to the type described in theaforementioned copending patent application.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a service brakeand shift lever interlock system having a control circuit to preventshifting of the shift lever, unless the shift lever is in a non-driveposition, such as the "Park" position, the ignition switch is in the"On" position (i.e., the "Start" or "Run" position) and the servicebrake system, such as the service brake pedal, is applied to brake thewheels of the vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a servicebrake and shift lever interlock system which frees the shift lever formovement under other conditions.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aninterlock system having a bellcrank or other locking lever cooperablewith the ignition switch mechanism to lock the shift lever in thenon-drive position when the ignition switch mechanism is placed in the"Lock" position and also to lock the shift lever against movement whenthe ignition switch mechanism is in the "Start" or "Run" position, theelectrical system is energized and the brake pedal is in the brakerelease position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates a brake and shift lever interlocksystem for a vehicle having a transmission with a shift lever movablebetween a drive position (e.g., forward or reverse) and a non-driveposition (e.g., "Park"), an engine and a service brake system, such ashaving a service brake pedal, operable in a brake applied mode and abrake release mode.

The invention contemplates a service brake and shift lever interlocksystem wherein mean responsive to the operational mode of the servicebrake system is employed to control locking/unlocking of the shift leverin the non-drive position, such as in the "Park" position when theignition switch is in the "Start" or "Run" position.

The invention also contemplates a service brake and shift leverinterlock system wherein a service brake responsive switch means isemployed in combination with other switch means, such as the ignitionswitch and a switch means responsive to the position of the shift lever,to control locking/unlocking of the shift lever in the "Park" positionwhen the ignition switch is in the "Start" or "Run" position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the service brake and shiftlever interlock system includes an electrical power source, anelectrically actuable locking means for preventing shifting of the shiftlever and an electrical logic control circuit having multiple switchingmeans connected in series between the power source and the locking meansfor actuating the latter only under certain conditions. The logiccontrol circuit includes ignition switch means, first switching meansresponsive to the position of the shift lever and second switching meansresponsive to the operational mode of the service brake system; forexample, to the brake pedal position or brake fluid pressure. Theignition switch means is placed in a closed (current conducting)condition when the engine is being started or is operating. The firstswitching means (shift lever responsive) is placed in a currentconducting condition when the shift lever is in the non-drive positionand in a current non-conducting condition when the shift lever is in thedrive position. The second switching means (service brake responsive) isplaced in a current conducting condition when the brake pedal is in thebrake release position and in a current non-conducting position when thebrake pedal is in the brake applied position. The logic control circuitactuates the locking means only when the ignition switch is closed(e.g., positioned at "Start" or "Run" position), the shift lever is inthe non-drive position (e.g., the "Park" position) and the brake pedalis in the brake release position. The logic control circuit does noteffect actuation under other conditions or positions of thesecomponents.

In one particular working embodiment of the invention, the firstswitching means includes a pair of voltage-controlled solid stateswitching elements (e.g., field effect transistors) in parallel in anignition run circuit. The parallel switching elements are alternatelycontrolled between current conducting/non-conducting conditions suchthat the parallel combination is in a current conducting condition inthe event the ignition switch means is in the "Start" or "Run" positionwhen the shift lever is in the non-drive ("Park") position. When theshift lever is in a drive position, both switching elements assume acurrent non-conducting condition.

The second switching means comprises a voltage-controlled switchingelement which assumes a current conducting or non-conducting conditionin response to respective opening and closing of a mechanical brakepedal switch actuated by movement of the brake pedal.

The electrically actuated locking means includes a bellcrank lockinglever operatively connected with the ignition mechanism to lock a shiftlever detent means against manual actuation by the operator of thevehicle when the shift lever is in the "Park" position and the ignitionswitch means is in the "Lock" position; i.e., an open (currentnon-conducting) position. An electromagnetic actuator such as a solenoidis operatively associated with the bellcrank and is energized to effectlocking of the bellcrank in its locking position relative to the detentwhen the ignition switch means is turned to the "On" position (i.e., the"Start" or "Run" position) and the brake pedal is in the brake releaseposition. This action prevents shifting of the shift lever out of the"Park" position when the ignition switch means is in the "Start" or the"Run" position until the brake pedal is in the brake applied position.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking lever ismovable to a locking position when the shift lever is releasablyretained in the "Park" position. When the locking lever is in thelocking position and the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Lock"position, the locking lever prevents movement of the shift lever fromthe "Park" position. A lever locking means, such as a solenoid, isresponsive to the operational mode of the service brake system to retainthe locking lever in the locking position when the shift lever is in the"Park" position with the ignition switch mechanism in the "Start" or"Run" position and with the service brake in the brake released mode andis responsive to release the bellcrank locking lever when the servicebrake is subsequently placed in the brake applied mode such that thelocking lever is free for movement by manual actuation of the shifterlever detent means to permit the shift lever to be moved from the "Park"position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transmission shift control mechanismhaving a brake and shift lever interlock system in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention and includes a diagrammatic representationof a vehicle transmission and vehicle steering column ignition lockmechanism.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the transmission shift control mechanism ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the pawl mechanism of the shift lever.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the handle of the shift lever showing thedetent actuating shift rod and pushbutton.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an elevation of the transmission shift control mechanism andthe interlock system with the shift lever shown in solid in a driveposition and in phantom in the unlocked orientation in the "Park"position.

FIG. 8 is a similar view as FIG. 7 with the shift lever shown in the"Park" position with the ignition key "Off" and the brake pedal in thebrake release position.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 with the shift lever shown in the "Park"position with the ignition key "On" and the brake pedal in the brakerelease position.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 8 with the shift lever shown in the "Park"position with the ignition key "On" and the brake pedal in the brakeapplied position.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 8 with the shift lever in a drive positionwith the ignition key "On" and the brake pedal in the brake appliedposition.

FIG. 12 is a schematic wiring diagram of the logic control circuit forone embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is perspective view of a transmission shift control mechanismhaving a brake and shift lever interlock system in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the transmission shift control mechanismshowing the shift lever in the "Park" position with the bellcrank inlocking position relative to a pawl of the shift lever mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the transmission shift controlmechanism showing the shift lever in "Park" and the push rod of theenergized solenoid in position to lock the bellcrank when the pushbuttonof the shift lever is released.

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 with the push rod retracted to free thebellcrank to allow the shift lever to be moved out of the "Park"position.

FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 15 with push rod actuated to lock thebellcrank and thus the shift lever in the "Park" position.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view in the direction of arrow 18 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of a preferred logic controlcircuit for the shift control mechanism shown in FIG. 13.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic wiring diagrams of other different controlcircuits for use with the shifter control mechanism of FIGS. 13-18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, a transmission shift control mechanism 10 isshown including a support base or frame 12 adapted to be secured to avehicle body member such as a floor pan member 14, FIG. 7, by aplurality of fasteners 16 (only one shown) extending through holes 18 inthe base 12.

The base or frame includes a well 20 having a stationary pivot shaft 21mounted therein. Shaft 21 is held fixed in well 20 by enlarged head 21aon one shaft end and a retaining ring (not shown) on the opposite shaftend. An inverted U-shaped shift lever carrier frame or member 26includes spaced apart depending side walls 26a,26b pivotably mounted onthe shaft 21 by bushings 27. Depending side walls 26a,26b are connectedby lateral wall 26c and depending rear wall 26e. Lateral wall 26c ofcarrier member 26 has attached thereto as by welding a hollow upstandingshift lever 28. Carrier member 26 includes a bottom flange 26d extendingfrom rear wall 26e and to which the lower end of shift lever 28 isattached as by welding.

Received for sliding movement in the shift lever 28 is an actuator rod30, FIGS. 3 and 5. The actuator rod extends into handle 32 where nose30a of the actuator rod is positioned in a recess 42a in a pushbuttonshaft 42 slidably received in the handle for movement perpendicular tothe rod 30. Handle 32 includes a recess 32a receiving a flange 33 onshift lever 28 in snap-fit engagement to retain the handle thereon.

Recess 42a includes cam surface 44 that forces the actuator roddownwardly in the shift lever when the pushbutton 46 is pressed towardthe handle by the driver. A coil return spring 50 is disposed aroundpushbutton shaft 42 and biases the pushbutton and pushbutton shaft awayfrom the handle in known fashion when manual pressure on the pushbuttonis released.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the opposite end of actuator rod 30 includes adepending nose 52 that engages spring biased pawl member or detentengaging member 54 pivotably mounted between side walls 26a,26b oncarrier member 26. In particular, pawl member 54 includes slotted end 56pivotably mounted in a slot 57 in side wall 26b.

A spacer 60 is provided and has a cylindrical hub 64 on which a coilspring 68 is received and positioned. Spacer 60 is attached in a slot 63in side wall 26b. One end 70 of the coil spring abuts against thecarrier member, FIG. 3, and the other end 72 engages the pawl member 54to bias it upwardly. As shown in FIG. 3, the pawl member extends througha cross-slot 76 in the shift lever and extends under the actuator rod.End 80 of the pawl member extends through a slot 82 in side wall 26a ofcarrier member 26 and terminates in pawl 84.

Pawl 84 is adapted to releasably couple the shift lever, which includesshift lever carrier member 26, to a detent plate 90 fastened instationary position on support base 12 as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 7.In particular, detent plate 90 is secured to upstanding posts 92 on thesupport base by fasteners such as rivets (not shown).

Detent plate 90 includes a plurality of notches or slots 96 into whichpawl 84 can be releasably coupled or engaged to place and retain theshift lever in the "Park" position P, neutral position N, and driveposition D, and further includes stop surfaces 97 for positioning andretaining pawl 84 in a reverse position R and drive two position D2 anddrive one position D1 in known manner.

To reposition the shift lever, the driver depresses pushbutton 46 towardhandle 32 and pivots the shift lever to the desired operative positionP, R, N, D, 2, 1. Depressing the pushbutton causes actuator rod 30 torelease or decouple pawl 84 downwardly out of engagement with the detentplate 90. When the shift lever is in the desired operative position, thedriver releases the pushbutton and spring 68 biases the pawl upwardlyagainst and coupling with the detent plate to retain the shift lever atthe selected operative position P, R, N, D, 2, or 1.

The manually operable detent means thus includes the spring biased pawl,detent plate and actuator rod and associated components in the shiftlever.

During such pivotable movement of shift lever 28, a stud 100 affixed oncarrier member 26 actuates a known push-pull cable C1 extending to aconventional shifter valve 102 on automatic transmission 104 to placethe transmission in the desired operational mode corresponding to theshift lever position P, R, N, D, 2, or 1. Stud 100 pivots with carriermember 26 since both are connected to the shift lever. Cable C1 isattached to stud 100 and passes through fitting 103 attached onextension 105 of base frame 12.

Pivotally mounted on detent plate 90 is a locking lever in the form ofbellcrank 110. Bellcrank 110 is pivotably mounted on pivot shaft 112affixed at one end to detent plate 90. A retaining ring 114 is mountedon the outbound end of pivot shaft 112.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that bellcrank 110 can bepivotally mounted side-by-side adjacent detent plate 90 from otherportions of base frame 12. The invention is not limited to mountingbellcrank 110 on the detent plate, although this is preferred toeliminate tolerances associated with other portions of the base frame;e.g., riveting, welding and other tolerances associated with fabricatingthe base frame.

Bellcrank 110 includes a first arm 120 operably connected to a push-pulllock cable C2 extending to ignition switch mechanism 122 on the vehiclesteering column 124. Cable C2 extends through a slot 126 in arm 120 andis fastened to short rod 128 (or other suitably shaped member) held inthe cradle formed by curvilinear arm 120. The outer conduit 127 ofpush-pull cable C2 includes an integral elongated end or arm 127cextending to pivot 112 and having gage hole 127a receiving pivot 112 ina preferred embodiment. The base 127b of the integral end is fastened tosupport base 12. Short rod 128 is preset during manufacturing with gagehole 127a to control tolerance stack-up within the cable assembly. Theinvention is not limited to mounting the outer cable conduit on pivot112, however.

The axis of pivot 112 on detent plate 90 is used as the primary gage orreference point relative to which significant dimensions of suchcomponents of the transmission shift control mechanism as the ignitionswitch mechanism (including cable C2), locking mechanism (locking lever110 and locking member 134), shift lever mechanism (shift lever 28 andcarrier member 26 and profile of slots 96 and stop surfaces 97 on thedetent cam plate 92) are taken. Use of the pivot axis as the gage orreference point for dimensioning these other components together withthe geometry of the locking lever and beneficial stacking of tolerancesfor these components substantially eliminates any need for adjustment ofthe components of the shift control mechanism 10 after assembly in thevehicle with the ignition switch mechanism 122 on the steering column.

Ignition switch mechanism 122 can be a conventional steering columnswitching mechanism currently used for automotive vehicles such as forthe Ford Escort and Topaz automobiles. As is well known, thesemechanisms prevent rotation of the steering wheel and hold the cable C2of the ignition switch mechanism stationary when actuated to the "Lock"position or mode by turning the ignition key to that position or mode onthe steering column. Preferably, the ignition switch mechanism 122includes a spring (not shown) which maintains a bias on cable C2 tendingto rotate bellcrank 110 clockwise in FIG. 1 at all times, all as is wellknown in the art.

Bellcrank 110 also includes an elongate second locking arm 130 extendingside-by-side adjacent detent plate 90. Second arm 130 includes aspecially configured cam slot 132 adapted to receive a locking member inthe form of elongate locking cam pin 134 extending from carrier member26. Locking cam pin or member 134 has an inboard end 136 affixed on sidewall 26a of the carrier plate and an outboard end 138 that is receivedand rides in cam slot 132. Locking pin or member 134 moves in an arcuate(circular arc) path since it is attached to the carrier member formovement therewith about the pivot axis defined by shaft 21.

Cam slot 132 includes a first circular arc portion 140 and a secondcircular arc portion 142. The center of circular arc portion 140corresponds to pivot axis of shift lever 28 on shaft 21 whereas thecenter of circular arc portion 142 is on the opposite side of thebellcrank and corresponds to the pivot axis of the bellcrank 110.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that portion 142 of cam slot132 may have a configuration other than a circular arc so long as thelocking lever can pivot past locking pin 134.

In operation when shift lever 28 is moved among operative positions R,N, D, 2 and 1 with the ignition switch mechanism unlocked and pawl 84depressed out of engagement with the detent plate 90, locking pin ormember 134 will move in a circular arc path in first circular arcportion 140 of the bellcrank slot. Bellcrank 110 thus will not bepivoted substantially by the locking cam pin 134 during such movement.The position of pin 134 in cam slot 132 when shift lever 28 is in adrive position is shown in FIG. 1.

Movement of the shift lever 28 from the drive position D (or otheroperative positions) toward the "Park" position P causes locking pin 134to travel forward in cam slot 132 to the position shown in phantom inFIG. 7. Locking pin 134 is placed in proximity to the juncture of thefirst circular arc portion 140 and second circular arc portion 142 whenthe shift lever is positioned at the "Park" position.

Pawl 84 is shown in FIG. 7 in the depressed position A just aftermovement of the shift lever to the "Park" position. Pawl 84 is shown inFIG. 8 in the releasably coupled or engaged position B with the detentplate 90 after pushbutton 46 is released by the driver.

Once the driver releases the pushbutton, spring biased cable C2 willpull on arm 120 to pivot bellcrank 110 from the position shown in FIG. 7to the raised locking position shown in FIG. 8 where elongate arm 130 isin blocking or locking relation to pawl 84 disposed in the "Park" slotin the detent plate 90.

Since lock cable C2 is held stationary and maintains a pull on arm 120as long as the ignition switch mechanism is actuated to the "Lock"position, bellcrank 110 is held in the pivoted position (lockingposition) of FIG. 8 with elongate arm 130 preventing movement of pawl 84from the "Park" slot on the detent plate by the driver's depressingpushbutton 46. Thus, in the pivoted locking position, locking arm 130prevents the driver from moving the shift lever 28 from the "Park"position when the ignition switch mechanism is actuated to the "Lock"position as mentioned above.

During pivoting of bellcrank 110 to the locking position of FIG. 8,locking pin 134 remains stationary while arm 130 moves therepast incooperative manner. Second circular arc portion 142 is configured tocooperate with pin 134 to allow such pivoting of the bellcrank relativeto locking pin 134. Thus, locking pin 134 and bellcrank 110 are incooperative position when the locking pin is received in the secondcircular arc portion 142; i.e., when the shift lever is in the "Park"position.

In accordance with the invention, a service brake and shift leverinterlock system is also provided. As is well known, the service brakesystem includes the usual brake pedal and fluid brake pressure systememployed to brake the wheels during driving of a vehicle. The parkingbrake is not considered part of the service brake system. The servicebrake and shift lever interlock system of the invention includes apivotal retaining lever 200, solenoid 201 and an electrical logiccontrol circuit 203 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 12 which includes andtakes as inputs electrical signals from a brake pedal switch 202, theignition switch mechanism 122 and shift lever "Park" position indicatorswitch 204.

The brake pedal switch 202 is mounted on the firewall (not shown) inusual fashion for actuation by movement of the typical service brakepedal 206; i.e., that is movable between a brake release position wherethe vehicle wheels are not braked and a brake applied (depressed)position when the vehicle wheels are braked. Usually, the brake pedalswitch 202 comprises a mechanical switching element that, when closed(current conducting) as a result of the brake pedal being in the brakeapplied position, energizes a conventional brake light circuit to effectlighting of the rear brake lights of the vehicle. When the brake pedalis in the brake release position, the switch 202 is open (currentnon-conducting) and the brake lights are not energized in accordancewith conventional practice.

The shift lever "Park" position indicator switch 204 is shown in FIGS.7-11 as fixedly mounted by flange 210 on a support member 212. Supportmember 212 is fixedly mounted on the arm 127c of the outer conduit 127of cable C2. The indicator switch 204 is mounted in such a manner as toposition the switch arm 204a in the path of the first arm 120 of thebellcrank 110 for actuation by bellcrank movement as will be explainedhereinbelow. However, the indicator switch 204 can be mounted anywherearound the perimeter of the bellcrank 110 or the shift lever carriermember 26 or shift lever 28.

The logic control circuit 203 is shown in FIG. 12 and includes anelectrical power supply means, such as including the vehicle 12 voltD.C. battery 220 and the alternator (generator) system 221 for providingelectrical power in known fashion when the engine is running. The brakepedal switch 202 and the ignition switch mechanism 122 are disposed inthe circuit 203 such that the switches 122,202 are both connected to thepower supply means 220. The ignition switch 122 is shown in simplifiedform as either in the "Off" or "On" positions. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate the ignition switch mechanism includes other positionssuch as the "Lock" position referred to above as well as "Start" and"Run" positions, e.g., see FIG. 19.

The brake pedal switch 202 controls a normally closed brake relay 222having a coil 224 connected to ground, a pair of spaced contacts 226,228and switch member 230 movable between the contacts 226,228. The switchmember 230 has one end 230a connected in series with the ignition switchmechanism 122 and another end 230b that is normally closed againstcontact 228 when the coil 224 is deengerized as a result of the brakepedal switch 202 being open (i.e., as a result of the brake pedal beingin the brake release position). The switch member 230 of the relay isnormally closed against contact 228 by the usual spring bias. The otherend 230b of switch member 230 engages contact 226 when the coil 224 isenergized by the power source 220 as a result of the brake pedal switch202 being closed (current conducting) when the brake pedal is in thebrake applied position. Thus, when the brake pedal is in the brakeapplied position, the relay 222 is energized by power source 220 to anopen position to remove power from components of the circuit 203downstream of the ignition switch mechanism 122.

The circuit 203 includes the shift lever "Park" position indicatorswitch 204 and an electrical "push" type solenoid 201 in seriesdownstream of the ignition switch mechanism 122 and the relay 222 (i.e.,switch contact 228 and switch member 230) as shown in FIG. 12. Thesolenoid 201 comprises a conventional 12 volt D.C. "push" type solenoid(e.g., model 189724-034 available from Ledex, Inc.) connected to ground.This particular solenoid 201 includes a push rod 242 normally springbiased to a retracted position as shown in FIGS. 7-8 and 10-11. When thesolenoid 201 is energized, the push rod 242 is extended as shown in FIG.9.

As shown in FIGS. 7-11, the push rod 242 pivots the retaining lever 200referred to hereinabove about a pivot pin 243 fastened on detent plate90. The retaining lever 200 is pivoted between a release position shownin FIGS. 7-8 and 10-11 when the push rod 242 is in the retractedposition and an angularly displaced retaining position shown in FIG. 9.In the retaining position, the retaining lever 200 is pivoted clockwisefrom the release position into a blocking position beneath the secondlocking arm 130 of the bellcrank 110 when the bellcrank is in the raisedlocking position relative to the pawl 84 as described hereinabove.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate various operational modes of the brake and shiftlever interlock system described hereinabove. These operational modesare summarized herebelow in the Table:

                  TABLE                                                           ______________________________________                                        FIG. 7  Key:           On                                                             Brake:         Off                                                            Shifter Position:                                                                            Drive (D, 1 or 2)                                              Park Position Switch:                                                                        Off                                                            Key Interlock: Released                                                       Brake Interlock:                                                                             Off                                                    FIG. 8  Key:           Off                                                            Brake:         Off                                                            Shifter Position:                                                                            Park                                                           Park Position Switch:                                                                        On                                                             Key Interlock: Locked                                                         Brake Interlock:                                                                             Off                                                    FIG. 9  Key:           On                                                             Brake:         Off                                                            Shifter Position:                                                                            Park                                                           Park Position Switch:                                                                        On                                                             Key Interlock: Released                                                       Brake Interlock:                                                                             Energized                                              FIG. 10 Key:           On                                                             Brake:         On                                                             Shifter Position:                                                                            Park                                                           Park Position Switch:                                                                        On                                                             Key Interlock: Released                                                       Brake Interlock:                                                                             Off                                                    FIG. 11 Key:           On                                                             Brake:         On                                                             Shifter Position:                                                                            Drive (D, 1 or 2)                                              Park Position Switch:                                                                        Off                                                            Key Interlock: Released                                                       Brake Interlock:                                                                             Off                                                    FIG. 7  Key:           On  DEAD BATTERY                                               Brake:         Off                                                            Shifter Position:                                                                            Drive (D, 1 or 2)                                              Park Position Switch:                                                                        Off                                                            Key Interlock: Released                                                       Brake Interlock:                                                                             Off                                                    FIG. 8  Key:           On  DEAD BATTERY                                               Brake:         Off                                                            Shifter Position:                                                                            Park                                                           Park Position Switch:                                                                        On                                                             Key Interlock: Released                                                       Brake Interlock:                                                                             Off                                                    ______________________________________                                    

When the ignition switch mechanism 122 is in the "Lock" position withthe shift lever in the "Park" position, no power is available to theservice brake and shift lever interlock system from power source 220such that the solenoid 201 is not energized regardless of the positionof the brake pedal switch 202 and the indicator switch 204. However, theshift lever 28 cannot be moved from the "Park" position to a driveposition as a result of the bellcrank 110 being in the locking position,FIG. 8, where the locking arm 130 blocks movement of the pawl 84 asexplained hereinabove.

When the ignition switch mechanism 122 is placed in the "On" position(either the "Start" position or the "Run" position) but the power source220 is not effective to provide power (e.g., the battery is dead), nopower is available to the brake and shift lever interlock system and thesolenoid 201 is not energized regardless of the position of the brakepedal switch 202 and the indicator switch 204, FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the ignition switch mechanism 122 is in the "On" position ("Start"or "Run" position) and the power source 220 is operative to providepower (e.g., the battery is charged), the brake and shift leverinterlock system is operable to energize the solenoid 201 to move theretaining lever 200 into blocking relation beneath the bellcrank 110 asshown in FIG. 9 when the brake pedal is in the brake release position.The retaining lever 200 prevents or blocks movement of the bellcrank 110when the ignition switch mechanism is in the "On" position and the brakepedal is not actuated to brake the vehicle wheels. As a result, thedriver cannot move the shift lever 28 from the "Park" position even whenthe ignition switch mechanism 122 is in the "On" position so long as thebrake pedal is in the brake release position (i.e., the brake pedal isnot depressed).

In order to move the shift lever 28 from the "Park" position to a driveposition with the ignition in the "On" position, the driver must move(depress) the brake pedal to the brake applied position to cause relay222 to open and remove power from the solenoid 201, thus moving(pivoting) by gravity or by an optional return spring the retaininglever 200 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 11 out of the way ofthe bellcrank 110.

When the retaining lever 200 is pivoted to the retracted position, FIG.11, with the ignition switch mechanism 122 in the "On" position, thelock cable C2 is permitted to slidably extend to the left (in FIG. 11)to allow counterclockwise pivoting of the bellcrank 110 about its pivot112 to the lower position shown in FIG. 11. Locking pin 134 will stillremain stationary and the second locking arm 130 can pivot as permittedby the circular arc portion 142 as a result of the pawl 84 pushing downon the locking arm 130 when the driver depresses pushbutton 46.

The shift lever 28 can then be moved to one of the other operative shiftlever positions R, N, D, 1 or 2. Locking pin 134 will move with theshift lever carrier member 26 in a circular arc path in the firstcircular arc portion 140 of cam slot 132 as the shift lever 28 is somoved.

During operation with the shift lever in a position other than the"Park" position e.g., FIGS. 7 and 11, the locking pin 134 and firstcircular arc portion 140 of cam slot 132 are non-cooperativelypositioned to prevent pivoting of the bellcrank 11 in response toattempted actuation of the ignition switch mechanism to the "Lock"position by the driver. Locking pin 134 is held fixed by pawl 84coupling carrier member 26 to the detent plate 90 so that arm 130 cannotmove substantially if the driver attempts to lock the ignition lockmechanism. Thus, bellcrank 110 and locking pin 134 prevent actuation ofthe ignition lock mechanism to the "Lock" position when the shift lever28 is in a position other than the "Park" position.

Moreover, when the shift lever 28 is in a position other than the "Park"position, e.g., R, N, D, 1 or 2, the brake and shift lever interlocksystem is not actuated (i.e., solenoid 201 is not energized) by circuit203 as a result of the shift lever "Park" position indicator switch 204being in the open (current non-conducting) condition.

Thus, the service brake and shift lever interlock system is actuatedonly when the ignition switch mechanism 122 is in the "On" position("Start" or "Run" position), the shift lever 28 is in the "Park"position and the brake pedal is in the brake release position (vehiclebrakes not applied). For other input sequences (see the aforementionedTable), the service brake and shift lever interlock system is notactuated (i.e., solenoid 201 is not energized).

The invention thus provides an interlock system for a vehicle whereinthe shift lever 28 is prevented from movement from the "Park" positionwhen the ignition switch mechanism 122 is in the "Lock" positionregardless of the position of the brake pedal and also when the ignitionswitch mechanism 122 is in the "On" position ("Start" or "Run" position)and the brake pedal is in the brake release position (i.e., brakes notapplied). When the shift lever 28 is in a position other than the "Park"position, the interlock system does not interfere with movement of theshift lever 28 among the various operative positions (P, R, N, D, 1 or2). However, the interlock system does prevent actuation of the ignitionswitch mechanism to the "Lock" position unless the shift lever is in the"Park" position.

FIGS. 13-19 illustrate a second embodiment of a transmission shiftcontrol mechanism 300 of the invention. The transmission shift controlmechanism includes a support base or frame 302 adapted to be secured toa vehicle body member 304 by a plurality of fasteners 305 (two shown)extending through holes in the support base. An inverted U-shaped shiftlever carrier or member 308 is pivotally mounted on the support base 302by means of pivot shaft 310. In particular, the shift lever carrier 308includes spaced apart depending side walls 308a, 308b that straddle thesupport base 302 and are pivotably mounted on stationary pivot shaft310. The hollow shift lever 328 includes a lower end 328a welded to thecarrier 308.

Referring to FIG. 15, received for sliding up and down movement in thehollow shift lever 328 is an actuator member 329 having formed on itslower end a pawl member 312. The actuator rod and the pawl member 312are biased upwardly in FIGS. 13-16 by a coil spring 314 having an upperend 314a hooked on the carrier 308 and lower end 314b hooked on a lowerU-shaped extension 312a of the pawl member 312. The pawl member 312 ismoved up or down against the bias of the spring 314 by a manuallyoperable pushbutton mechanism 346 on the handle 332 of the shift lever328 in known fashion.

The pawl member 312 includes a pawl 316 projecting perpendicularly to adetent cam plate 322 fastened to the support base 302 and adapted toengage a plurality of notches or stops 320 in the detent cam plate 322to releasably couple and retain the shift lever 328 in the "Park"position, neutral position N, drive positions D, 1, 2, 3 and reverseposition R.

The shift lever 328 is moved among the non-drive positions (e.g., "Park"or "Neutral" positions) and the drive positions by the driver depressingthe pushbutton 346 on the shift lever handle to move the pawl member 312downwardly against the bias of coil spring 314 to disengage the pawl 316from the notches/stop 320. The shift lever is then pivoted to thedesired position and the pushbutton on the shift lever handle isreleased to allow coil spring 314 to move the pawl 316 upwardly againstthe desired notch/stop 320 on the detent cam plate 322.

During such pivotable movement of the shift lever 328, a stud 350 (FIG.13) affixed on the carrier member 308 actuates a known push-pull cableC1 extending to a conventional shifter valve (not shown) to place thetransmission in the desired operational mode, e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1. Stud 350 pivots with carrier member 308 since both are connectedto the shift lever 328.

Pivotally mounted on the support base 302 is a locking lever in the formof a bellcrank 410. Bellcrank 410 is pivotally mounted on pivot shaft412 affixed on the support base. The bellcrank 410 is provided for thesame purpose as bellcrank 110 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-12.

The bellcrank 410 includes a first arm 420 with a fitting 420a operablyconnected to a push-pull cable C2 extending to the ignition switchmechanism of the vehicle described hereinabove for preventing rotationof the steering wheel and holding the cable C2 stationary when actuatedto the "Lock" position by turning the ignition key.

Bellcrank 410 also includes an elongate second locking arm 430 having acam slot 432 adapted to receive a locking member in the form of anelongate locking cam pin 434 having an inner end (not shown) attached onthe carrier member 308 and an outer end received in the cam slot 432 ina manner similar to pin 138 of FIGS. 1-12.

Cam slot 432 includes a circular arc portion 440 and a transverse linearportion 442 that correspond in function to cam slot portions 140,142described hereabove.

The inner side of the second locking arm 430 includes a coupling pin 431extending perpendicular to a coupling slot 417 in the pawl extension312a. The coupling slot 417 and the coupling pin 431 are relativelymovable during operation of the shift control mechanism, FIG. 15.

In operation when shift lever 328 is moved among operative positions R,N, D, 3, 2 and 1 with the ignition switch mechanism unlocked and pawl316 depressed out of engagement with the detent plate 322, the lockingpin or member 434 will move in a circular arc path in first circular arcportion 440 of the bellcrank slot. Bellcrank 410 thus will not bepivoted substantially by the locking cam pin 434 during such movement.The position of pin 434 in cam slot 432 when shift lever 328 is indifferent drive positions is shown in FIGS. 15-16. At the same time, thecoupling pin 431 of the bellcrank is not received in the coupling slot417 of the pawl member 312 when the shift lever 328 is in the positionsR, D, 3, 2, 1 and N, whether the pushbutton 346 is depressed orreleased.

Movement of the shift lever 328 from the drive position D (or otheroperative positions) toward the "Park" position P causes locking pin 434to travel forward in cam slot 432 to the position shown in FIG. 14 andalso causes the slot 417 of extension 312a to move toward the lockingpin 431 such that the pin 431 is received therein. The locking pin 434is placed in proximity to the juncture of the first circular arc portion440 and linear portion 442 when the shift lever is positioned at the"Park" position.

Pawl 316 is shown in FIG. 14 in the releasably coupled or engagedposition B with the detent plate 322 after the pushbutton on the shiftlever handle is released by the driver when the shift lever is in the"Park" position and prior to the driver's actuating the ignition switchmechanism to the "Lock" position by rotating the ignition key on thesteering column. The bellcrank 410 has been pivoted counterclockwise tothe locking position relative to the pawl 316 in contact therewith bythe bias of the coil spring 314 as a result of the bias on the cable C2exerted by the spring biased ignition switch mechanism (e.g., switchmechanism 122 in FIG. 1) and as a result of temporary mechanicalcoupling between the pawl member 312 and the bellcrank 410, i.e.,coupling pin 431 being received temporarily in coupling slot 417 whenthe shift lever is in the "Park" position. The coupling pin 431 on thebellcrank 410 and the coupling slot 417 on the pawl extension 312a thusconstitute means for temporarily coupling the pawl 312 and the bellcrank410 when the shift lever 328 is in the "Park" position with thepushbutton 346 depressed or released.

Once the driver actuates the ignition switch mechanism to the "Lock"position by turning the ignition key in known fashion, the bellcrank 410is held in the raised locking position where the elongate locking arm430 contacts and blocks or locks the pawl 316 in its upper position inthe "Park" slot of the detent plate 322.

Since lock cable C2 is held stationary and maintains a pull on arm 320as long as the ignition switch mechanism is actuated to the "Lock"position, bellcrank 410 is held in the pivoted position (lockingposition) of FIG. 14 with elongate coupling pin 431 received in thecoupling slot 417 of the pawl extension 312a. The locking arm 430prevents movement of pawl 316 from the "Park" slot on the detent plateby the driver's depressing the pushbutton on the shift lever handle.Thus, in the pivoted locking position, locking arm 430 prevents thedriver from moving the shift lever 328 from the "Park" position when theignition lock mechanism is actuated to the "Lock" position as mentionedabove.

During pivoting of bellcrank 410 to the locking position of FIG. 14,locking pin 434 remains stationary while arm 430 moves therepast incooperative manner. Linear cam slot portion 442 is configured tocooperate with pin 434 to allow such pivoting of the bellcrank inresponse to release of the pushbutton 346 when the shift lever ispositioned in the "Park" position. Thus, locking pin 434 and bellcrank410 are in cooperative position when the locking pin is received in thelinear cam slot portion 442; i.e., when the shift lever is in the "Park"position.

The embodiment of FIGS. 13-19 includes a service brake and shift leverinterlock system comprising a retaining flange 500 fastened or formedintegrally on the bellcrank 410 (FIG. 15), an electrical logic controlcircuit 502 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 19 and a solenoid 503 mountedon the support base 302 by a flange support 506.

The logic control circuit 502 includes the ignition switch mechanism 522which is a conventional ignition switch mechanism; e.g., as used on theCorvette automobile. The ignition switch mechanism is operable among an"Off" position, a "Lock" position, a "Start" position to start thevehicle engine and a "Run" position to continue operation of the engineafter it is started. As shown, the ignition switch mechanism includes apair of switch members 510, 512. Switch 510 contacts the contact 514 forthe ignition start circuit C10 when the ignition key is turned to the"Start" position to energize the start circuit from the electrical powersupply (e.g., the vehicle battery 515 and the alternator/generator 517in known fashion). Switch 512 contacts the contact 516 ("Start" contact)for the ignition run circuit C12. "Start" contact 516 is electricallyconnected to the "Run" contact 518 to energize the ignition run circuitC12 from the electrical power supply 515 when the ignition switchmechanism is in the "Start" position. As is known, once the engine isstarted and the ignition key is released, the switch members 510,512 arereturned to the "Run" positions (e.g. "Run" contacts 518, 519,respectively) by the usual spring mechanism (not shown).

The ignition start circuit C10 includes in series with the "Start"contact 514 what is known in the art as a neutral safety switch 530. Theneutral safety switch 530 is a mechanical switch that is closed (currentconducting) when the shift lever is in the "Park" position or "Neutral"position and open (current non-conducting) when the shift lever is in adrive position such as drive D, 1, 2, 3 or reverse R. The safety switch530 thus prevents starting of the vehicle engine unless the shift lever32 is in the "Park" or "Neutral" position.

The ignition start circuit C10 also includes the usual starter relay 532having coil 534 and switch 536 and a starter motor 538 actuated to startthe vehicle engine when the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Start"position and the safety switch 530 is closed.

As is apparent in FIG. 19, the ignition run circuit C12 is energized bythe electrical power supply 515 (i.e., the vehicle battery or thealternator (generator)) when the ignition switch mechanism is in the"Start" or "Run" positions. The ignition run circuit C12 includes a pairof insulated gate, voltage-controlled switching transistors Q1 and Q2 inparallel with one another and in series collectively with the "Run"contact 518.

Transistor Q1 is rendered current conducting when its gate G1 is at apreselected voltage state relative to source (e.g., less than 2, 5 orother selected threshold voltage ) and is rendered currentnon-conducting when its gate G1 is at a higher voltage state (e.g.,greater than the selected threshold voltage). Transistor Q2 is ofopposite polarity from transistor Q1 and thus is rendered currentconducting when its gate G2 is at a preselected voltage state relativeto source (e.g., greater than the threshold voltage) and currentnon-conducting when its gate G2 is at a low voltage state (e.g., lessthan the threshold voltage).

Transistors Q1 and Q2 are rendered alternately current conductingdepending upon the position of the ignition switch mechanism 522 and thesafety switch 530. When the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Run"position and the safety switch 530 is closed, transistor Q1 will berendered current-conducting while transistor Q2 will be rendered currentnon-conducting. For example, in this situation, the gate G1 oftransistor Q1 is maintained at the low voltage state by the path toground through the starter circuit (i.e., the safety switch 530 isclosed) while the gate G2 of transistor starter relay circuit C14 whichis connected between the neutral safety switch 530 and the starter relaycoil 534 in the ignition start circuit C10 and which is at 0 volts whenthe ignition switch mechanism 522 is in the "Run" position.

When the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Start" position and thesafety switch 530 is closed, transistor Q1 is rendered currentnon-conducting and transistor Q2 is rendered current conducting. Forexample, in this situation, the gate G1 of transistor Q1 is at the highvoltage state as a result of ignition start circuit C10 which isconnected between the "Start" contact 516 and the safety switch 530 andwhich is at 12 volts when the ignition switch mechanism is in the"Start" position. The gate G2 of transistor Q2 is at 12 volts bycoupling to the starter relay circuit C14.

When the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Run" position and thesafety switch 530 is open (i.e., the shift lever 328 is in a driveposition and not "Park" or "Neutral"), transistor Q1 is rendered currentnon-conducting by virtue of pull-up resistor R connected between theignition run circuit C12 which is at 12 volts and the ignition startcircuit C1O. In effect, the pull-up resistor R raises the voltage atgate G1 to a sufficiently high level (logic "high" level such as greaterthan the threshold voltage) to render the transistor Q1 currentnon-conducting. At the same time, transistor Q2 is rendered currentnon-conducting by virtue of safety switch 530 being open and gate G2being connected to a path to ground through the starter relay circuitC14 and the starter relay coil 534.

Thus, both transistors Q1 and Q2 are current non-conducting when theignition switch mechanism is in the "Run" position and the shift lever328 is in a drive position such as R, D, 1, 2 or 3.

In effect, the ignition start circuit C10 monitors only the "Start"position of the ignition switch mechanism 522 while the ignition runcircuit C12 monitors the "Run" position and "Start" position of theignition switch mechanism 522. The ignition start circuit C10 and thestarter relay circuit C14 both monitor the condition of the safetyswitch 530 (i.e., whether it is open or closed).

The logic control circuit 502 also includes an insulated gate, voltagecontrolled switching transistor Q3 in series with the "Run" contact 518and the transistors Q1,Q2 in the ignition run circuit C12. Thetransistor Q3 includes gate G3 which renders transistor Q3 currentconducting when it is at a low voltage state (e.g., less than thethreshold voltage) and current conducting when it is at a high voltagestate above the threshold voltage. The gate G3 is coupled to a brakelight circuit C18 having a brake pedal responsive mechanical switch 360and one or more brake lights 362 controlled by the switch 360 in usualfashion. Brake pedal responsive switch 360 is closed when the vehiclebrake pedal is in the brake applied position to brake the vehiclewheels. When the switch 360 is closed, the brake light circuit C18 isenergized by the power source 515 at 12 volts and energizes the brakelights 362 to ground. Moreover, when the switch 360 is closed, the gateG3 of transistor Q3 is at 12 volts and is thus rendered currentnon-conducting when the brake pedal is in the brake applied position.

When the switch 360 is open as a result of the brake pedal being in thebrake release position, the transistor Q3 is rendered current conductingby virtue of gate G3 being at the low voltage state (e.g., less than thethreshold voltage) provided by the path to ground through the brakelight 362.

As a result, transistor Q3 is rendered current conducting when theservice brake pedal is in the brake release position and currentnon-conducting when the service brake pedal is in the brake appliedposition.

Diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 are provided in the circuit 502 to protect thetransistors Q1, Q2 and Q3 against damage from current flow resultingfrom drain back EMF when coil 534 and solenoid 503 are deenergizedduring operation of the circuit. As is well known, the diodes D1, D2,D3, D4 block current flow to ground.

The solenoid 503 is connected in series with transistors Q1,Q2,Q3 andcomprises a conventional push type electrical solenoid (e.g., model26P-C-12VDC) available from Guardian Electric Co.). The solenoid 503includes a push rod or plunger 570 that is extended when the solenoid isenergized and retracted by spring 572 when the solenoid is deenergized.Stop 573 adjustably limits the extent of retraction of the push rod 570.

The support base 302 includes a flange 574 adjacent the solenoid, FIG.18, and having an aperture 576 coaxial with the push rod 570 to receivethe push rod 570 in the retracted and extended positions. The supportbase 302 includes another aperture 580 coaxial with aperture 576.

When the shift lever 328 is placed in the "Park" position and thepushbutton 346 released, the bellcrank 410 is pivoted to a lockingposition relative to the pawl member 316, FIGS. 14-15, as in theembodiment described hereinabove for FIGS. 1-12. When the bellcrank 410is in the locking position, the retaining flange 500 thereof is pivotedbetween the support frame 302 and the support flange, FIGS. 14, 15 and18 with an aperture 584 in the retaining flange aligned coaxially withthe apertures 576,580 of the support base. Prior to release of thepushbutton 346 with the shift lever in "Park", aperture 584 will not becoaxially aligned with apertures 576,580.

When the ignition switch mechanism is subsequently placed in the "Start"position or "Run" position with the shift lever 328 in the "Park"position and the service brake pedal is in the brake release position(i.e., vehicle service brake pedal not applied), either transistor Q1 orQ2 is rendered current conducting (depending on the position of theignition switch mechanism 522) and the transistor Q3 is rendered currentconductive to energize the solenoid 503 from the power source 515 andcause its push rod 570 to extend through coaxially aligned apertures576, 580, 584, FIG. 18. When the push rod 570 is received in theapertures 576,580,584, the push rod 570 mechanically blocks movement ofthe retaining flange 500 of the bellcrank 410. Since the bellcrank 410is blocked against movement, the pushbutton on the shift lever handlecannot be depressed enough to remove the shift lever 328 from the "Park"position, e.g., see FIG. 14.

However, once the vehicle brake pedal is thereafter depressed to placeit in the brake applied position, the transistor Q3 is rendered currentnon-conducting, causing deenergization of the solenoid 503 and movementof the push rod 570 to the retracted position, FIG. 16, to allow freerotation of the bellcrank 410 when the ignition switch mechanism is inthe "Start" position or "Run" position. In particular, bellcrank 410 canbe caused to pivot downward to the unlock position, FIG. 16, by thetransfer of the driver's finger force on button 346 to rod 329 andcoupling pin 431.

The driver depresses the pushbutton on the shift lever handle and pivotsthe shift lever 328 from the "Park" position to another position such asN, R, D, 1, 2 or 3. The locking pin 434 will move with the carriermember 308 and prevent actuation of the ignition switch mechanism to the"Lock" position so long as the shift lever is in a position other than"Park".

Moreover, when the shift lever 328 is in a position other than "Park"position or "Neutral" position as explained below, the solenoid 503 isnot energized by virtue of transistors Q1,Q2 both being in the currentnon-conducting condition.

Of course, the solenoid 503 is not energized when the ignition switchmechanism is in the "Lock" position or when the power supply means 515is inoperative to provide power (e.g., when the battery is dead).

When the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Off" position, noelectrical power is supplied to the logic control circuit 502 and theshift lever is unlocked for shifting among its various operativepositions. The steering wheel is also unlocked for movement when theignition switch mechanism is in the "Off" position.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, the solenoid 503 will also beenergized when the shift lever 328 is in the neutral position (i.e.,closes the safety switch 530), the ignition is in the "Start" or "Run"position and the brake pedal is in the brake release position. However,since the aperture 584 in the flange 500 of the bellcrank 410 will notbe positioned coaxially with apertures 576,580, the push rod 570 willonly abut against a side of the flange 500 and will not extend throughapertures 576,580,584. The push rod 570 will, as a result, notmechanically block its movement of the bellcrank 410. As a result, theshift lever 328 can be moved from the neutral position N regardless ofwhether the brake pedal is in the brake release position or brakeapplied position.

As stated above, apertures 576,580,584 are coaxially aligned when theshift lever is in the "Park" position and the pushbutton 346 isreleased. When the solenoid 503 is energized (brake pedal released) withthe apertures 576,580,584 coaxially aligned, the push rod 570 can extendthrough these apertures to block movement of the bellcrank 410.

The brake and shift lever interlock system of FIGS. 13-19 is operable tolock the shift lever 328 only when the ignition switch mechanism 522 isin the "Start" or "Run" position, the shift lever 328 is in the "Park"position and the brake pedal 206 is in the brake release position. Forother input sequences, the brake and shift lever interlock system is notoperable to lock the position of the shift lever 328.

Referring to FIG. 20, a simpler control circuit 502' is shown for usewith the shift control mechanism 300 of FIGS. 13-18 in lieu of thecontrol circuit 502 shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 20, like features of FIG.19 are represented by like reference numerals/letters. The controlcircuit 502' is simpler than the control circuit 502 of FIG. 19 in thatonly the ignition switch mechanism 522 and the brake pedal responsiveswitch mechanism 360 plus switching transistor Q3 are employed.

In FIG. 20, the ignition run circuit C12 is energized when the ignitionswitch mechanism 522 is in the "Start" position or the "Run" position.The switching transistor Q3 is rendered current conducting when theservice brake pedal is in the brake release position (brake pedalresponsive switch 360 being open) and is rendered current non-conductingwhen the service brake pedal is in the brake applied position. As aresult, the push-type solenoid 503 is energized when the ignition switchmechanism 522 is in the "Start" or "Run" position and the service brakepedal is in the brake release position regardless of the position of theshift lever 328 of FIGS. 13-18. The energized solenoid 503 functions toblock the retaining flange 500 of the bellcrank 410 only when the shiftlever 328 is in the "Park" position with pushbutton 346 released (i.e.,to coaxially align apertures 576,580,584 as explained hereinabove topermit the solenoid push rod 570 to be received in the aligned apertures576,580,584). At other times when the ignition switch mechanism 522 isin the "Start" or "Run" position and the brake pedal switch 360 is open(brake pedal released), the push rod 570 of the energized solenoid willbe extended but only abut against a side of the retaining flange 500 ofthe bellcrank 410 since the apertures 576,580,584 are not coaxiallyaligned at these times. Thus, the push rod 570, although extended, willnot mechanically block the movement of the bellcrank 410. As a result,except when the shift lever is in the "Park" position with thepushbutton 346 released, the shift lever 328 can be moved among itsoperative positions regardless of whether or not the service brake pedalis applied. However, when the shift lever 328 is positioned in the"Park" position with the pushbutton 346 released, the push rod 570 ofthe energized solenoid 503 will enter apertures 576,580,584 and theshift lever 328 can only be moved out of the "Park" position if thebrake pedal is applied to close switch 360 and render switchingtransistor Q3 current non-conducting to deenergize solenoid 503. Asmentioned hereinabove, the coupling means (i.e., coupling slot 417 andcoupling pin 431) effects the desired coaxial alignment of apertures576,580,584 only when the shift lever is in the "Park" position and thepushbutton 346 is released.

Referring to FIG. 21, an even more simple control circuit 502,, is shownfor use with the shift control mechanism 300 of FIGS. 13-18 in lieu ofthe control circuit 502. In FIG. 21, like features of FIG. 19 arerepresented by like reference number/letters. The control circuit 502''is simpler in that only the brake pedal responsive mechanical switch 360is employed to energize or deenergize the solenoid 505 which is apull-type solenoid, not a push-type as used in the previous embodiments.

In FIG. 21, the brake light circuit C18 is energized whenever theservice brake pedal is applied to close the switch 360. Closure ofswitch 360 energizes the brake light 362 and also the pull-type solenoid505 to retract its plunger or pull rod. When deenergized, the plunger ofthe solenoid 505 is extended by spring bias. Although the solenoidplunger is extended when the ignition switch mechanism is the "Start" or"Run" position and the service brake pedal is released, the plungercannot enter the apertures 576,580,584 unless the shift lever is in the"Park" position with the pushbutton 346 released. When the shift leveris in the "Park" position with the pushbutton 346 released, theapertures 576,580,584 are coaxially aligned, e.g., FIG. 18. The springbiased solenoid plunger is received in the apertures 576,580,584 at thattime to mechanically block movement of the retaining flange 500 of thebellcrank 410 (FIG. 18). In order to move the shift lever from the"Park" position with the ignition switch mechanism in the "Start" or"Run" position, the driver must apply the service brake pedal to closeswitch 360 and energize the solenoid 505 to pull its plunger out of theapertures 576,580,584, thereby freeing the bellcrank 410 for movement bythe driver's depressing the pushbutton 346 prior to shifting. When theshift lever is moved to positions other than "Park" with the pushbutton346 released, the spring biased solenoid plunger will only abut againsta side of the retaining flange 500 of the bellcrank 410 and thus willnot mechanically block movement of the bellcrank 410. The shift leverthus can be moved among the other operative positions regardless ofwhether or not the service brake is applied.

While the invention has been described in terms of specific embodimentsthereof, it is not intended to be limited thereto but rather only to theextent set forth hereafter in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An interlock system for a vehicle having a transmission, anengine and a service brake system operable in a brake applied mode and abrake release mode, comprising:(a) shift lever means movable between anon-drive position and a drive position, (b) detent means for releasablyretaining the shift lever means in a selected position, (c) an ignitionswitch mechanism having a "Lock" position, a "Start" position to startthe engine and a "Run" position to operate the engine, (d) a lockinglever operably connected to the ignition switch mechanism, (e) means formoving said locking lever to a locking position when the shift lever isreleasably retained in said non-drive position such that said lockinglever in said locking position prevents actuation of the detent means torelease the shift lever when the ignition switch mechanism is in the"Lock" position, and (f) lever locking means responsive to the mode ofthe service brake system for retaining the locking lever in said lockingposition when the shift lever is in the non-drive position with theignition switch mechanism in the "Start" position or "Run" position andwith the service brake system in the brake release mode and forreleasing the locking lever for movement from said locking position whenthe shift lever is in the non-drive position with the ignition switchmechanism in the "Start" position or the "Run" position and with theservice brake system in the brake applied mode such that said shiftlever can be moved to the drive position, said lever locking meanscomprising a solenoid having a plunger, said solenoid being operative inresponse to said service brake system being in said brake release modewhen the shift lever is in the non-drive position and the ignitionswitch mechanism is in the "Start" position or "Run" position toposition its plunger in an aligned aperture in the locking lever at saidlocking position to retain the locking lever in said locking positionand said solenoid being operative in response to said service brakesystem being in the brake applied mode when the shift lever is in thenon-drive position and the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Start"position or "Run" position to remove its plunger from the aperture torelease the locking lever.
 2. The interlock system of claim 1 whereinsaid solenoid is a push type solenoid actuated in response to saidservice brake system being in the brake release mode to extend itsplunger into an aligned aperture in the locking lever when oriented inthe locking position to retain the locking lever in said lockingposition and said plunger being spring biased to remove it from theaperture to release the locking lever when the solenoid is deactuated inresponse to said service brake system being in the brake applied mode.3. The interlock system of claim 1 wherein said solenoid comprises apull type solenoid that is spring biased to insert its plunger in analigned aperture in the locking lever in the locking position to retainthe locking lever in said locking position in response to said servicebrake system being in a brake release mode and that is actuated inresponse to said service brake system being in a brake applied mode toremove its plunger from the aperture in said locking lever to releasesaid locking lever.
 4. The interlock system of claim 2 or 3 wherein theaperture is out of alignment with said plunger when the shift lever isin the drive position such that said plunger in an extended positionabuts a side of said locking lever.
 5. The interlock system of claim 1wherein said locking lever comprises a bellcrank.
 6. An interlock systemfor a vehicle having a transmission, an engine and a service brakesystem operable in a brake applied mode and a brake release mode,comprising:(a) shift lever means movable between a "Park" position and adrive position, (b) detent means for releasably retaining the shiftlever means in a selected position, (c) an ignition switch mechanismhaving a "Lock" position, a "Start" position to start the engine and a"Run" position to operate the engine, (d) a locking lever operablyconnected to the ignition switch mechanism, (e) coupling means forcoupling the locking lever and the detent means and moving said lockinglever to a locking position when the shift lever is releasably retainedin said "Park" position such that said locking lever in said lockingposition prevents actuation of the detent means to release the shiftlever when the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Lock" position, saidlocking lever and detent means being uncoupled when the shift lever isin the drive position, (f) switch means responsive to the mode of theservice brake system, and (g) lever locking means responsive to saidswitch means for retaining the locking lever in said locking positionwhen the shift lever is in the "Park" position with the ignition switchmechanism in the "Start" position or the "Run" position and with theservice brake system in the brake release mode and for releasing thelocking lever for movement from said locking position by actuation ofsaid detent means when the shift lever is in the "Park" position withthe ignition switch mechanism in the "Start" position or the "Run"position and with the service brake system in the brake applied modesuch that said shift lever can be moved to the drive position.
 7. Theinterlock system of claim 6 wherein said coupling means comprises acoupling slot on the detent means and a coupling pin disposed on thelocking lever and received in said coupling slot when the shift lever isin the "Park" position.
 8. The interlock system of claim 7 wherein thecoupling pin is disposed outside said coupling slot when the shift leveris in the drive position such that said locking lever and detent meansare uncoupled.
 9. The interlock system of claim 6 wherein said leverlocking means comprises a solenoid.
 10. The interlock system of claim 9wherein said solenoid is a push type solenoid actuated in response tosaid switch means to extend its plunger into an aligned aperture in thelocking lever when oriented in the locking position to retain thelocking lever in said locking position and spring biased to remove itsplunger from the aperture to release the locking lever when the solenoidis deactuated.
 11. The interlock system of claim 9 wherein said solenoidcomprises a pull type solenoid that is spring biased to insert itsplunger in an aligned aperture in the locking lever when oriented in thelocking position to retain the locking lever in said locking positionand actuated in response to said switch means to remove its plunger froman aperture in said locking lever to release said locking lever.
 12. Theinterlock system of claim 10 or 11 wherein the aperture is out ofalignment with said plunger when the shift lever is in the driveposition such that said plunger in an extended position abuts a side ofsaid locking lever.
 13. In a vehicle having a transmission with a shiftlever movable between a drive position and a non-drive position, anengine and a service brake pedal movable between a brake appliedposition and a brake release position, a brake and shift lever interlocksystem, comprising:(a) an electrical power supply means, (b) an ignitionswitch means movable among a "Start" position, a "Run" position and an"Off" position, (c) a starter circuit energized by the power supplymeans when the ignition switch is in the "Start" position, said startercircuit including a safety switch means that is closed when the shiftlever is in the non-drive position and is open when the shift lever isin the drive position, (d) a service brake circuit having a brakeresponsive switch means that is closed when the brake pedal is in thebrake applied position and that is open when the brake pedal is in thebrake release position, said service brake circuit being energized bythe power supply means when the brake pedal is in the brake appliedposition, (e) an ignition run circuit in series with the ignition switchmeans and energized by the power supply means when the ignition switchmeans is in the "Start" position or the "Run" position, (f) firstswitching means in series in the ignition run circuit, said firstswitching means being placed in a current conducting condition when thesafety switch means is closed and the ignition switch means is in eitherthe "Start" position or the "Run" position and in a currentnon-conducting condition when the safety switch means is open, (g)second switching means in series with the first switching means andignition switch means in the ignition run circuit, said second switchingmeans being placed in a current conducting condition when the brakeresponsive switch means is open and in a current non-conductingcondition when the brake responsive switch means is closed, and (h)electrically actuated locking means in series with the ignition switchmeans, first switching means and second switching means actuable forpreventing shifting of the shift lever when said ignition switch meansis closed, the shift lever is in the non-drive position and the brakepedal is in the brake release position.
 14. The brake and shift leverinterlock system of claim 13 wherein said first switching means includesa pair of voltage-controlled solid state switching elements in parallelwith one another in the ignition run circuit, one of said switchingelements being placed in the current conducting condition when theignition switch means is in the "Run" position and the safety switchmeans is closed and the other of said switching elements being placed inthe current conducting condition when the ignition switch means is inthe "Start" position and safety switch means is closed.
 15. The brakeand shift interlock system of claim 14 wherein said one of saidswitching elements includes a gate coupled to the starter circuitbetween the ignition switch means and the safety switch means andcoupled to the ignition run circuit by a pull-up resistor.
 16. The brakeand shift lever interlock system of claim 14 wherein said other of saidswitching elements includes a gate coupled to the starter circuitbetween the safety switch means and a starter relay.
 17. The brake andshift lever interlock system of claim 14 wherein the second switchingmeans comprises a voltage-controlled solid state switching elementhaving a gate coupled to the service brake circuit.
 18. An interlocksystem for a vehicle having a transmission, an engine and a servicebrake pedal movable between a brake applied position and a brake releaseposition, comprising:(a) an electrical power supply means, (b) shiftlever means movable between a non-drive position and a drive position,(c) detent means for releasably retaining the shift lever means in aselected position, (d) an ignition switch mechanism having a "Lock"position, a "Start" position to start the engine and a "Run" position tooperate the engine for travel, (e) a starter circuit energized by thepower supply means when the ignition switch is in the "Start" position,said starter circuit including a safety switch means that is closed whenthe shift lever is in the non-drive position and is open when the shiftlever is in the drive position, (f) a service brake circuit having abrake responsive switch means that is closed when the brake pedal is inthe brake applied position and that is open when the brake pedal is inthe brake release position, said service brake circuit being energizedby the power supply means when the brake pedal is in the brake appliedposition, (g) an ignition run circuit in series with the ignition switchand energized by the power supply means when the ignition switch meansis in the "Start" position or the "Run" position, (h) a locking leveroperably connected to the ignition switch mechanism for movement to alocking position to prevent actuation of the detent means to release theshift lever when the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Lock" positionwith the shift lever means in the "Park" position and to an unlockingposition permitting actuation of the detent means to release the shiftlever for movement when the ignition switch mechanism is in the "Start"or "Run" position with the shift lever means in the "Park" position andthe brake pedal in the brake applied position, (i) first switching meansin series in the ignition run circuit, said first switching means beingplaced in a current conducting condition when the safety switch means isclosed and the ignition switch means is in either the "Start" positionor the "Run" position and in a current non-conducting condition when thesafety switch means is open, (j) second switching means in series withthe first switching means and ignition switch means in the ignition runcircuit, said second switching means being placed in a currentconducting condition when the brake responsive switch means is open andin a current non-conducting condition when the brake responsive switchmeans is closed, and (k) electrically controlled lever locking meansmovable relative to the locking lever to (1) a retaining position tohold the locking lever in said locking position when the ignition switchmechanism is in the "Start" position or "Run" position with the shiftlever means in the "Park" position and the brake pedal in the brakerelease position and (2) a release position to free the locking leverfor movement to said unlocking position when the brake pedal is movedtoward the brake applied position.